Mrs. Yoo set out a full table, covered with so many types of banchan that it could rival many famous restaurants. Her specialty, purple barley rice, was also served and after a few kicks in the side from her, Mr. Yoo with a strained smile offered to barbecue. The bean stew and kimchi stew appeared, filling the air with pungent aromas. Choi Young have seen many a royal feast, but this was something to remember. Following Eun Soo's guidance, he ate heartily, filling his stomach so much that he felt the need to unbutton his jacket. The smell of freshly grilled meat leaked into the house and the sizzling pieces were delivered by the proud cook. The large plate was put in the middle of the table and Mr. Yoo announced "Time for a toast." He brought a few bottles of soju from the fridge and filled Choi Young's glass to the brim. Choi Young's eyes widened with horror – he did not like alcohol. When he drank, he lost inhibition and was known to also become easily annoyed, which led to some unpleasant memories… Eun Soo whispered into his ear, " You are supposed to pour him a glass with one hand and put your other hand to your heart. When you drink, you are supposed to turn away in respect."
"What are you doing there?" the mother's eyes did not miss anything.
"Just telling him to politely refuse the drink. He would not do it himself, he is way too well behaved."
"Why would he refuse my drink?" her father was offended.
"Appa, when I said he was a patient, I was not making it up. He was in surgery a week ago. Although he is recovering successfully, he is still finishing up antibiotics. He should not be drinking in this condition. Can you let it slide, please?"
"I don't believe you."
"It's true. Choi Young-shi, show him your bandage and a scar." And she started unbuttoning his jacket, all three other people at the table completely stunned.
After the initial shock, Choi Young firmly grabbed her hands. "Please stop, you are embarrassing me."
"But…"
"I'll take care of myself."
"Now I hear a man talking," Mr. Yoo gave him an approving nod.
"Appa, I'm his doctor and I prohibit!" she grabbed Choi Young's glass and drank it all, challenging her father.
"I can pour another."
She grabbed that one, too.
"Will you please excuse us," Choi Young stood up and grabbing her wrist, dragged her to a very familiar by now bathroom.
"What is it you think you are doing?"
"I told you, I will do everything I can before I give up."
"If I drink while taking medication what will it do? Will it stop working? Will it kill me?"
"Technically, no. It should not diminish the effectiveness of the medication, but you may react stronger than usual, your stomach may get upset, you can get a headache, become dizzy… There are various side effects."
"Then you will take care of me when I get sick. I trust you," and before she could open her mouth to protest, he covered it with a deep kiss, leaving her dizzy and breathless. "We should go back," he said.
This was a side of him that she has not seen before, powerful, assertive, decisive, and so HOTTTT. "Don't kiss me like that at my parents house. I will not be able to control myself."
"I'll be responsible for control for both of us." He assured her.
"I wanted to apologize for the misunderstanding. You daughter takes her job very seriously. She indeed saved my life and now, of course, wants to make sure I heal quickly." He bowed his head and sat down, with Eun Soo obediently sitting next to him.
The parents just looked at each other and laughed.
"Our daughter, you finally met someone who can stand up to you."
"Oma!"
"I think I'm liking this man more and more."
An hour and a half a later, the group moved over to the large sofa; soju, meat and some banchan were transplanted to a low coffee table. Eun Soo and her Mom sat on one side, both with their legs curled under, as if copying each other. They were both slightly drunk, still holding their glasses, watching the drinking competition at the other side. The two man have already finished 5 bottles. Choi Young was going on strong; he kept quiet, only nodding and pouring to his elder, drinking whenever his glass was full and always taking in some food right after. Mr. Yoo looked like he was ready to collapse, but his pride did not allow him to lose to a younger man, especially this one. Slurring, he inquired about Choi Young's parents and occupation. Choi Young reported that his parents have passed away. His father was a government official and a scholar. He stated that he was in the military and ranked a general, at which Eun Soo cried out, not being able to hold it in, "Choi Young-shi, don't joke please!" pleading with her eyes. This reminded him about the "back story". "What I meant to say was that I have an interest in military and history. I specialize in marshal arts and swordsmanship," he recited obediently. Eun Soo nodded, approving.
"Swordsmanship? I have particular interest in swords. Hold on," and the father tried to get up, almost falling. Choi Young rushed to assist him, swiftly extending an arm and positioning his legs to maintain balance with both of them at the same time. "Like I said, I love swords. Let me show you the one I have had in the family for generations."
"I'll get it, you sit," and his wife came back with a weapon.
"Isn't it a beauty?" he was sobering up very quickly, now that his favorite topic came up.
Choi Young held the weapon with respect, expertly touching the hilt, he carefully unwrapped it from its covers, treating it like it was a newborn baby, with great care. He ran his finger along the blade, moved it to the light and made a few lightning - like slash moves to check how it handled. Everybody in the room got quiet, jaws dropped. There was something awe inspiring about how the weapon seem to come alive in his hands and become an extension of his body.
"It is not bad."
"Not bad? Do you know how old it is?"
"No, let me show you a weapon that will take your breath away." And Choi Young took out his sword, which he left inside the coat.
The father gasped, his hands shaking with anticipation, "May I hold it?"
Choi Young hesitated. "Please treat it with respect, it belonged to my teacher."
"I will," whispered now completely sober man.